Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that features tender, breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it offers a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a gooey, cheesy topping that is simply irresistible.

This dish embodies comfort food at its finest, combining the savory flavors of seasoned chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella in a way that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s a perfect dinner for weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances textures and flavors. The crispy breading contrasts with the tender chicken, while the marinara sauce adds acidity and depth. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, indulgent topping.

This dish is comforting, filling, and has a homey, familiar flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s also highly versatile, pairing well with pasta, vegetables, or a side salad.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Chicken Parmesan is a must-try because it’s a beloved classic that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser for families, parties, or date nights and has universal appeal.

Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the dish with fresh herbs, quality cheese, and your preferred marinara sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 45–50 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550–600 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and add a pinch of dried oregano if desired.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Flatten chicken: Pound to even thickness, season with salt and pepper.
3. Bread chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
4. Fry chicken: Heat oil in skillet, cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble in baking dish: Place chicken, spoon marinara over, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake: 15–20 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil, plate, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Chicken Parmesan pairs perfectly with spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine tossed in marinara sauce. It also works well with a side of garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy crust at their best.

Recipe Tips

• Pound chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Fry chicken just until golden; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Homemade marinara sauce enhances flavor but store-bought works for convenience.
• Garnish with fresh basil for color and aroma.

Variations

• Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute chicken with sliced eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Panko Crust: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust.
• Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
• Stuffed Chicken: Add a slice of prosciutto or extra cheese inside the chicken before breading.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked, unassembled chicken without sauce or cheese for up to 1 month. Freeze fully assembled portions for up to 2 weeks, then thaw before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is bubbly.

Special Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet
• Shallow bowls for breading station
• Large skillet for frying
• Baking dish
• Tongs or spatula
• Oven

FAQ

Q: Can I bake chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Prepare and bread chicken in advance; bake with sauce and cheese just before serving.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a timeless, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.

Simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining, this recipe delivers the classic flavors of Italian-American cuisine in every bite. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meals.